A new law aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from property comes into force on 1 September. If you own non-residential property of more than 1,000 sq m (10,763.9 sq ft), the regulations affect you, whether the property is a self-contained building or part of a larger entity. The Assessment of Energy Performance of Non-Domestic Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2016 will impose additional obligations in respect of the sale and lease of commercial properties. Different regulations will apply in England. Some properties are exempt, including: properties improved under the Green Deal; workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that have low energy demand; temporary buildings with a planned time of use of two years or shorter, and properties constructed to the standards set out in Schedule 5 to the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and the Building Standard (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (which became effective on 4 March, 2002).
Scotsman 23rd May 2016 read more »